Nashville Restaurant Radio

New Light Hospitality
  • 4.4 (36)
  • Food
  • Updated Biweekly

This is a podcast made for and about the people of the Nashville Restaurant community. Our goal is to gain others perspectives and learn from their experiences. Listen for interviews with Chefs, Restauranteurs, authors, industry leaders, and much more! This is not a podcast where we talk about food, we talk about food people.

  1. 6d ago

    Jessica Hazard-Owner- NY PIE

    Jessica Hazard, owner of NY Pie, joins us on Nashville Restaurant Radio to talk about the opening of her newest location in Capitol View and what she’s learned through the process of growing her business. Jessica is also a NARA member, and we talk about how that relationship has helped NY Pie identify opportunities to improve profitability, make stronger vendor connections, and build relationships with other people throughout Nashville’s restaurant community. We also get into Jessica’s roots in New Jersey, the inspiration behind NY Pie, and the realities of opening another restaurant location—the challenges, the excitement, and everything that comes with expansion. As always, the conversation goes beyond just one restaurant. We talk about the Nashville restaurant industry, ownership, relationships, growth, and plenty of the random restaurant stuff we love talking about. If you’re a restaurant owner, operator, or just someone who loves the business, this is a great conversation with one of Nashville’s independent restaurant owners.

    Jessica Hazard-Owner- NY PIE

  2. Aug 4

    Pepsi, Gordon Food Service, and a Full Preview of the Independent Restaurant Show

    Pepsi, Gordon Food Service, and a Full Preview of the Independent Restaurant Show On this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon and Vince share some major updates from the Nashville Area Restaurant Alliance and preview everything coming to the Independent Restaurant Show on September 1. They begin with the announcement that Pepsi has joined the event as its new presenting sponsor. Brandon and Vince discuss what the partnership means for the show, NARA, and the independent restaurant community throughout Middle Tennessee. They also highlight Gordon Food Service and explain why GFS has been such an outstanding partner to Nashville Restaurant Radio. From its commitment to independent operators to the support its team continues to provide, Gordon Food Service has played an important role in helping NRR deliver real value to the restaurant community. Brandon and Vince then break down nearly every vendor participating in the Independent Restaurant Show, discussing the products, services, expertise, and opportunities each company will bring to the event. Whether restaurant owners are looking for new suppliers, ways to reduce costs, operational support, technology, insurance, staffing solutions, marketing resources, or stronger vendor relationships, this episode provides a detailed look at who they will meet and why those conversations matter. They also preview the food, drinks, networking, live entertainment, giveaways, and other experiences planned for the show—along with a major surprise guest taking the stage at 4:45 p.m. The Independent Restaurant Show takes place Tuesday, September 1, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Reserve at Fat Bottom Brewing in Nashville. The event is free for independent restaurant owners and operators.

    Pepsi, Gordon Food Service, and a Full Preview of the Independent Restaurant Show

  3. Jul 19

    Sarah Beth Shulte- @thetipjarnash

    Sarah Beth Shulte started the tip Jar nash on IG after moving to Nashville and wanting to create way for pwople like her to learn their city. It has now turned into a full time job as a content creator. Listen in as we get to know her, and all the details about what she does, and why restaurants would hire her. She was awesome, and we loved this conversation. go give her a follow!

    Sarah Beth Shulte- @thetipjarnash

  4. Jul 5

    Margo McCormack

    After 25 years as chef and owner of Margot Café in East Nashville, Margo recently closed that chapter with a celebration worthy of the legacy she built. Today, she joins us in studio to talk about what comes next, what it feels like to say goodbye to something that meant so much to so many, and the stories that made Margot one of Nashville’s most beloved restaurants. We also had a couple of special guests stop by to share what Margo has meant to them, to East Nashville, and to the Nashville restaurant community as a whole. Margo was the second interview we ever recorded on Nashville Restaurant Radio, so this one felt full-circle in a way that is hard to describe. She is a legend, a pioneer, and one of the people who helped define what independent restaurants in this city can be. This episode is special. Take a listen.

    Margo McCormack

  5. Jun 14

    Eric Schell and Drew Strohm- One Tap

    Every restaurant operator knows the feeling: something breaks, a vendor doesn't show up, an invoice looks wrong, and suddenly you're spending hours managing maintenance instead of managing your business. In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we sit down with Eric Schell and Drew Strohm from OneTap to discuss how they're working to simplify one of the most frustrating parts of restaurant operations. Eric and Drew share the story behind OneTap, how the platform was built, and why they believe the maintenance industry is overdue for innovation. We dive into the challenges restaurant owners face when coordinating repairs, managing service providers, controlling costs, and maintaining accountability across multiple locations. The conversation goes beyond technology and into entrepreneurship, scaling a business, and what it takes to build solutions that genuinely solve problems for operators. Whether you oversee one location or a multi-unit brand, this episode offers valuable insight into how smarter systems and better processes can free up time, reduce headaches, and allow hospitality professionals to focus on what matters most: serving guests. If you've ever been frustrated by maintenance issues, vendor communication, or the endless chase to get things fixed, this episode is for you.

    Eric Schell and Drew Strohm- One Tap

  6. Jun 14

    LIVE at Tennessee Flavors

    Live from Tennessee Flavors: Supporting the Future of Hospitality In this special live episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, we broadcast from Tennessee Flavors, the annual fundraiser benefiting Nashville State Community College's Randy Rayburn School of Culinary Arts. The event brings together some of the best chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality leaders in Tennessee, all united behind a common goal: investing in the next generation of culinary talent. Joining the show is Nick Guidry, former owner of Pelican & Pig and now Director of Culinary for A. Marshall Hospitality. Nick shares insights from his transition from independent restaurateur to leading culinary operations for one of Tennessee's most respected restaurant groups, while discussing the importance of mentorship and developing future industry leaders. We also sit down with Marcio and Cynthia Flores, the husband-and-wife team behind Limo Peruvian Eatery. The Flores family shares their entrepreneurial journey, the growth of their restaurants, and their passion for bringing authentic Peruvian cuisine to Middle Tennessee while building a business rooted in family and community. Rounding out the episode is Ric Ewing, restaurateur and candidate for Tennessee State Representative. Ric discusses his background in hospitality, why he believes business owners need a stronger voice in government, and how his experience as a Board member at Nashville State has given him perspective From culinary education and entrepreneurship to leadership and community impact, this episode captures the spirit of Tennessee Flavors and the people working to strengthen the future of hospitality across our state.

    LIVE at Tennessee Flavors

  7. May 30

    Bill Miller- CEO/ Icon Entertainment

    What makes an experience unforgettable? In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Bill Miller, CEO of Icon Entertainment, for a conversation that goes far beyond venues, concerts, and business. Bill shares incredible stories from his career, including memorable moments with Johnny Cash, while revealing the philosophy that has guided his life’s work: creating experiences that bring people joy. From legendary entertainers to everyday guests, Bill explains why the most successful hospitality and entertainment leaders understand that people aren’t just buying products or services—they’re seeking connection, memories, and moments that matter. Throughout the conversation, Bill reflects on leadership, purpose, storytelling, and the responsibility that comes with creating spaces where people gather. His passion for making others feel seen, welcomed, and inspired shines through in every story. Whether you’re a restaurant operator, hospitality professional, entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates the power of a great experience, this episode is packed with wisdom from a leader who has spent a lifetime creating moments people never forget. Listen now for an inspiring conversation about joy, hospitality, leadership, and the stories that shape us.

    Bill Miller- CEO/ Icon Entertainment

  8. May 22

    Billy Dec- Documentary Film Maker/ Owner- Sunda

    In this episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio, Brandon sits down with Billy Deck, founder of Sunda and host/star of the PBS documentary Food Roots. Billy shares the deeply personal story behind the film, his Filipino-American upbringing, and the journey back to the Philippines that helped him reconnect with family, heritage, grief, identity, and purpose. The conversation moves through hospitality, Nashville’s evolution, Gen Z labor challenges, building restaurant culture, and why true hospitality starts with care. Billy also opens up about success, loss, mental health, the pressure of performing strength, and the power of documenting personal stories so they can help others. This episode is a reminder that restaurants are about far more than what is on the plate. They are about connection, memory, ancestry, healing, and making people feel seen. Topics include: Billy’s journey from Chicago to Nashville The story behind Sunda His PBS documentary Food Roots Reconnecting with Filipino heritage Food as a language of love Labor and culture challenges in hospitality Nashville’s growth and changing identity Mental health, grief, and vulnerability Why every family has a story worth preserving Watch Food Roots on Billy’s YouTube channel: @billybecklife

    Billy Dec- Documentary Film Maker/ Owner- Sunda
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4.4
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

This is a podcast made for and about the people of the Nashville Restaurant community. Our goal is to gain others perspectives and learn from their experiences. Listen for interviews with Chefs, Restauranteurs, authors, industry leaders, and much more! This is not a podcast where we talk about food, we talk about food people.

Information

  • Creator
    New Light Hospitality
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    435
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © New Light Hospitality
  • Show Website
    Nashville Restaurant Radio

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